Formulation and characterization of lutein nano-bilosomes for enhanced absorption

Lutein, a xanthophyll carotenoid has numerous bioactive properties in safeguarding the eye and brain health but exhibits low bioavailability due to its hydrophobicity and poor gastrointestinal stability. To improve lutein bioavailability, a nano-formulation in the form of lutein nano-bilosomes (LNB) was prepared, characterized, assessed for entrapment efficiency (%EE), storage stability, in-vitro gastrointestinal stability and permeation. The prepared LNB was characterized by DLS, TEM and FT-IR and its gastrointestinal stability and permeability were assessed by in-vitro simulated digestion method. The zeta size, polydispersity index and zeta potential were 117.9 nm, 0.246 and − 65 mV respectively. TEM revealed that the LNB were spheroid in shape and 20–50 nm in size. The %EE of the LNB was > 90% with no significant physicochemical changes on storage for up to 8 weeks. The FT-IR analysis showed no degradation of lutein in the LNB. The in-vitro gastrointestinal digestive stability of LNB was > 5 times higher and the intestinal permeation was ~ 70% more than free lutein dispersed in PBS. Thus, the prepared lutein nano-bilosomes seem to be efficient carriers of lutein, suitable for supplementation, nutraceutical development and other dietary interventions for managing oxidative stress related degenerative disorders like AMD, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts.